For every bar purchased, Hand in Hand says it donates a bar of soap and provides a month of clean water to children in need.Vegan soap-making companies in Philadelphia offer natural products for the environmentally conscious

For many soap makers, there is concern over using palm oil in their products. The vegetable oil is linked to environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation and animal cruelty. To combat this concern, vegan soap companies, which make soap that doesn’t come from animal fat and is not animal-tested, are becoming more popular. Vegan soap, compared to store-bought soap that contains tallow—animal fat— is generally handmade, gentler to your skin and uses plant-based oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil and almond oil. Those opting to use vegan soap recognize that vegan soap makers put thought into using specific ingredients to produce quality products. Here’s a list of four vegan soap companies in Philadelphia you can try for yourself.

Urban Cabin Soap Co.

Made by one guy in a small Philadelphia apartment, Urban Cabin Soap Co. makes vegan soaps, skipping the usual ingredients like sodium tallowate (animal fat) found in brands like Dove and Ivory Spring, and instead using coconut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil. Evan Dormont believes in creating quality soaps that are good for humans, but won’t negatively affect the environment and aren’t tested on animals. He also creates beard balms and soaps that come in scents that include Rose and Seasalt, Jasmine Tea and Cranberry and Fig. You can purchase Urban Cabin Soap Co. products at Essene Market & Cafe, online and through Etsy.

Owned by married couple Courtney and Bill, Hand in Hand Soap sells vegan, non- palm oil soap that isn’t tested on animals. And for every bar of soap they sell, the socially conscious company donates a bar of soap and a month of clean water to children in need in Haiti. Last year Hand in Hand Soap built their first well in Onaville, Haiti for 240 families whose only source of water was over five miles away. This past November the soap company returned to Haiti and fixed three broken wells. Hand in Hand also makes lotion, candles and lip balms that can be found at both Nicole Miller locations, the Omoi Zakka Shop, Adorn Boutique and online. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Volta Soap

Volta Soap’sproducts containvegetable oils, butters, clays and dried herbs mixed with essential oils, such as lavender and ginger,instead of synthetic ingredients, like dyes and parabens, to be gentler on skin. Most of Volta Soap’s products— soaps, bath salts, deodorants and gift sets— are vegan but a few contain goat milk and honey. The milk, from a pediatrician who raises goats, and the honey, from Fruitwood Orchards in NJ which produces pure honey— Volta is conscious of the animal products it uses and sources them locally. Volta Soap products can be purchased at many Philadelphia shops including JuJu Salon and Organics,Mariposa Food Co-op and Mud & Makerjust to name a few. Check out their wholesale page for more locations or order online.

Frustrated by the lack of all natural skincare products on the market, Always Mineral decided to create products with vitamins to nourish skin. Always Mineral feels there are ingredients to use right in the Earth so it avoids products, such as parabens and petroleum, to prevent negative effects to your skin and the environment. Always Mineral makes body oils, soaps, perfumes and lip balms, all of which are vegan, except their beeswax lip balms. Always Mineral also prints all their ingredients right on their products so you know what you are using on your body. Always Mineral products can be purchased at Nice Things Handmade in Philadelphia and online.Twitter | Facebook | Instagram